2011 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC) for 1-2 family residential dwellings, based on the 2009 International Residential Code. Chapter 11 for energy efficiency is as stringent as the 2009 IECC. State-developed CodeComp software may be used to show compliance.

Much of the information presented in this summary is drawn from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Building Energy Codes Program and the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP). For more detailed information about building energy codes, visit the DOE and BCAP websites.

The Oregon Energy Code amendments were most recently updated for non-residential construction in 2010 and residential construction in 2008. In October 2010 Oregon also adopted the Oregon Solar Installation Specialty Code which establishes structural requirements for all photovoltaic installations, replacements and repairs.

In 2006, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski mandated a 15% increase in energy performance by new residential construction by 2015. In response to this, the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) and Dept. of Energy cooperatively submitted an energy code change proposal. This proposal was enacted in March 2008 and became effective July 1, 2008. The residential code was updated again, effective July 1, 2011. The 2011 ORSC is as stringent as 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

The state energy code provisions are mandatory for all heated and/or cooled residential and commercial construction, including state-owned and -operated buildings that are constructed, altered, and repaired within the state. The energy conservation requirements are a mandatory statewide minimum that cannot be modified by local government without state approval.